Sweet deal for oil producers (Tulsa World)

by Wayne Green, Tulsa World In crisis, there is opportunity.   It’s a cliche, because it’s true.    Relatively recent state history provides a great example – 2010’s state budget crisis turned into a jackpot for the oil and gas industry in… Read more [More...]

Medi-can’t (Oklahoma Gazette)

by Clifton Adcock, Oklahoma Gazette Perlinda George, a student at Oklahoma City Community College, had hoped to sign up for coverage in an expanded Medicaid program under the auspices of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  However, with Gov. Mary Fallin’s… Read more [More...]

Critics decry Oklahoma governor’s Medicaid expansion numbers (Tulsa World)

by Wayne Green, Tulsa World When she rejected federal funding to expand the state’s Medicaid system under the Affordable Care Act, Gov. Mary Fallin said buying into the program that would have extended coverage to thousands of uninsured Oklahomans could… Read more [More...]

Health insurance? Fooey! (Oklahoma Gazette)

Why does the standoff between Gov. Mary Fallin and the Affordable Care Act remind us of the battle between Sylvester and Tweety Bird? First, the Republican governor delayed implementing aspects of the ACA, otherwise known as Obamacare, in hopes that… Read more [More...]

Backers of Oklahoma state question attempt to clear up voter confusion (The Oklahoman)

by Michael McNutt, The Oklahoman Passage of State Question 765 next week would not abolish the state’s largest agency, supporters of the measure said Friday. SQ 765 would repeal three sections of the state constitution and add another, essentially eliminating… Read more [More...]

Remember to vote (Woodward News)

Dwight Hughes, Superintendent at High Plains Technology Center On November 6, 2012, Oklahoma voters will not only vote for a presidential candidate, but we will also decide six state questions to possibly amend the State Constitution.  Amending the State Constitution… Read more [More...]

At what price? Some fear that Oklahoma schools are not just broke, but broken (Oklahoma Gazette)

Original at http://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/article-16547-at-what-price.html by Peter Wright, Oklahoma Gazette Only two states cut per-pupil spending more than Oklahoma in the last five years, according to a recent think-tank report. While it appears nearly impossible to determine what funding is adequate for… Read more [More...]

More openness sought in Oklahoma’s budget process (The Oklahoman)

Original at http://newsok.com/more-openness-sought-in-oklahomas-budget-process/article/3702160 By Michael McNutt, The Oklahoman The way legislators craft the state’s budget, which has evolved into secret meetings involving only a handful of key fiscal negotiators, should be more open so citizens and other lawmakers have a… Read more [More...]

Oklahomans talk positives of Supreme Court ruling on health care reform (KJRH)

Original at http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/news/local_news/Oklahomans-talk-potential-positives-of-Supreme-Court-ruling-on-health-care-reform A momentous Supreme Court decision made Thursday will affect Americans nationwide and — despite the state’s protests — Oklahomans.  Health care reform means many Oklahomans who were once denied insurance will be guaranteed coverage.  According to the… Read more [More...]

The 2011-2012 Legislative Session, A Postgame with David Blatt (Studio Tulsa, NPR)

You can listen to the original interview with Rich Fisher is at http://kwgs.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/end-oklahoma-legislatures-2011-2012-session-we-offer-postgame-david-blatt The second regular session of the 53rd Oklahoma Legislature (2011-2012) was recently adjourned.  With the session now over, many citizens are wondering why the legislature DIDN’T adopt… Read more [More...]